C 275ØA/10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3.9.

98

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS
for university graduates

(98/C 275ØA/02)

EUR/LA/138/98 EUR/LA/139/98

The European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the
Regions of the European Union are holding two open competitions based on tests, to draw up
shortlists as a recruitment reserve for

The purpose of these competitions is to set up shortlists to fill posts that fall vacant and
cannot be filled by internal transfer, internal competition or the transfer of existing staff
from other institutions of the European Communities.

Competitions EUR/LA/138/98 (LAØ7/LAØ6) and EUR/LA/139/98 (LAØ8) are being held to
recruit English-, French-, German-, Greek-, Italian-, Portuguese- and Spanish-language
translators and assistant translators.

Competition EUR/LA/138/98 is also being held for Dutch-language translators.

(Î)ÙIn the case of Dutch only the competition for Translators (LAØ7/LAØ6), EUR/LA/138/98, will be held.
3.9.98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 275ØA/11

Candidates for the LAØ7/LAØ6 competition must have a university degree and at least two
years’ professional experience.

The LAØ8 competition is open to young graduates. No professional experience is required.

The competitions aim to recruit university graduates with a degree in languages or fields
such as law, economics, social affairs, science and technology. They will be highly qualified
and capable of adapting to change throughout their career.

The particular abilities which the organising institutions will be endeavouring to test in these
two competitions, apart from any special qualifications in terms of professional experience,
will be assessed by the selection board in accordance with closely comparable criteria.

The organising institutions are particularly looking for an ability to get to grips with wide-
ranging and often complex problems, respond rapidly to changing circumstances and
communicate effectively. Candidates must show initiative, imagination and strong moti-
vation. They must be capable of working intensively on a regular basis, both on their own
and as part of a team, and of adapting to a multi-cultural working environment. They will
also wish to continue their professional training throughout their career.

Please read the following conditions for admission to each competition with great care.

Several aspects of the procedure are common to both competitions.

You may only apply for one competition, either EUR/LA/138/98 (LAØ7/LAØ6) or
EUR/LA/139/98 (LAØ8), or your application will be disqualified.

(Dutch-language candidates may apply only for Competition EUR/LA/138/98.)

Your choice must be clearly stated on the application form.

For further details of recruitment please refer to the Guide for Candidates in this issue of
the Official Journal.

2. Equal opportunities

The Community institutions apply a policy of equal opportunities for men and women, and
strongly encourage applications from women for grades in which women are under-repre-
sented. The institutions take particular care to avoid any form of discrimination during the
recruitment procedure or when filling departmental posts.

3. Location

Luxembourg, Brussels or any other place of work of the organising institutions.

4. Rough timetable for the competition

—ÙWritten tests: February 1999

—ÙOral and Optional tests: March 1999

—ÙEstablishment of shortlists: April 1999
C 275ØA/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3.9.98

Please note that on average a competition takes at least a year to complete; it may take
longer when there are a large number of applications. Please do not telephone to ask about
the timetable (see Section VI, Invitation to the tests).

5. Recommendations

Before filling in the form, please read the notice of competition, the Guide to candidates in
interinstitutional competitions for the European civil service and its annex in this issue of the
Official Journal of the European Communities very carefully. (You are strongly advised to
keep a copy of this issue for reference.)

These documents describe the conditions to be met, how to fill in the application form and
optical reader form and arrangements for the competition.

6. The closing date for applications is 16 October 1998.

II.ÙJOB DESCRIPTION

Official responsible for translating often complex texts into Dutch, English, French, German,
Greek, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish, from Finnish and at least one other official language of
the European Union (see Section III.B.3), mainly on political, legal, economic, social, regional,
financial, scientific and technical subjects concerning the European Union’s areas of activity.

Candidates will be capable of using IT and office automation tools for this purpose.

III.ÙCONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE COMPETITIONS

The competitions are open to candidates who fulfil the following conditions by the closing date
for applications:

A.ÙGENERAL CONDITIONS

In accordance with Article 28 of the Staff Regulations of officials of the European
Communities, you must:

—Ùproduce the necessary character references for performance of the duties concerned.

IMPORTANT: Please read the declaration at the end of the application form carefully.

B. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1. Age limit

Candidates born after 16 October 1952 (aged 45 or under).

Exemptions from the age limit may be allowed in the following cases:

(a)ÙIf you have performed compulsory military service or any other compulsory service,
the age limit may be raised by the length of time spent in the performance of such
service. Any periods of service performed voluntarily in addition to compulsory
service will not be taken into account. You must include in your application for
exemption a certificate issued by the relevant military or other authorities, showing
the dates of starting and completing compulsory service.
3.9.98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 275ØA/13

(b) If you gave up work for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, to look after a
dependent child under compulsory school age or with a serious physical or mental
disability (certificate required), the age limit will be raised by the length of time you
were not in paid employment, subject to a limit of two years per child. You must
include in your application for exemption an official copy of the child’s birth
certificate and a formal declaration giving full details of the period of time when you
were not in paid employment.

(c) Three years’ exemption is granted to persons with a physical disability recognised by
the appropriate authorities. You must include in your application for exemption a
certificate issued by the relevant authority confirming the disability.

IMPORTANT:

The maximum period for exemption from the age limit is five years. No application for
exemption will be considered unless it is backed up by the supporting document(s)
required.

The age limit will not apply:

if during the four years preceding the closing date for applications you have been a
full-time official or other servant of the European Communities for an accumulated
period of at least 12 months.

To benefit from this exemption you must enclose evidence of employment with the
European civil service, giving details of the periods and duties involved.

2. Qualifications and experience required

(a)ÙCandidates will have completed their university studies and obtained a degree. The
selection board will take account of the different education systems.

EUR/LA/138/98 (LAØ7/LAØ6) EUR/LA/139/98 (LAØ8)

(b)ÙAfter obtaining your degree you will (b)ÙNo professional experience is
have acquired at least two years’ required.
professional experience of a level
equivalent to the duties described in Date of obtaining degree
Section II, either in the language field
or one or more fields relating to the (c)ÙOnly candidates who obtained their
organising institutions’ areas of degree after 16 October 1995 (three
activity. years) will be admitted to the
competition.
(c)ÙAccount will be taken of half the
periods of professional experience in The date on which you were awarded
the following cases, up to a maximum the degree must be clearly shown on
of one year: the degree certificate itself or on an
official attestation.
—Ùduly attested periods of specialised
work experience or professional
training, and

—Ùfurther education leading to a
degree higher than that referred to
in point (a) above.
C 275ØA/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3.9.98

(d) Details of the professional experience, training, research or studies must be given in
the application form and backed up by supporting documents.

3. Knowledge of languages

You will have a perfect command of Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian,
Portuguese or Spanish and a thorough knowledge of Finnish and at least one other official
language (Î) of the European Union. Knowledge of a fourth official language would be
appreciated.

Knowledge of other official languages of the European Union will be taken into account.

Claims to knowledge of official languages other than your main language or mother
tongue must be backed up by supporting documents enclosed with the application. In the
absence of documentary evidence please enclose a separate sheet giving full details of how
you acquired the knowledge concerned.

IV.ÙADMISSION TO THE COMPETITIONS AND TESTS

1.ÙThe list of candidates who have submitted their applications in the form required and by the
closing date (see Section XI) and fulfil the general conditions set out in Section III.A will be
drawn up by the Appointing Authority and forwarded to the selection board with the
application files.

2.ÙThis means that you will automatically be disqualified if you have

—Ùclearly posted your application after the closing date,

—Ùforgotten to sign the application form,

—Ùnot used the official application form and the optical reader formØ(Ï) enclosed in this
issue of the Official Journal,

and/or

do not fulfil the general conditions for admission.

You will be informed after the closing date for applications if your application has been
rejected on these grounds.

3.ÙThe selection board will examine the applications and draw up a list of candidates who fulfil
the special conditions set out in Section III.B. It will base its decision exclusively on the
information given on the application form and backed up by supporting documents.

Candidates who do not fulfil the requisite conditions for admission under Section III.B or
have not provided relevant documentary evidence in support of their claims by the closing
date will be eliminated at this stage.

A curriculum vitae will not be regarded as a supporting document.

4.ÙIf the selection board finds that you do not fulfil all the conditions required for the
competition for which you have applied, it may deem you to have applied for the other
competition, provided that you fulfil the conditions for the latter.

(Î)ÙThe European Union’s official languages are: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek,
Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.
(Ï)ÙPhotocopies of these documents will not be accepted.
3.9.98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 275ØA/15

5.ÙYou will receive a personal letter informing you of the selection board’s decision on whether
to admit you to the tests.

6.ÙIf at any stage in the procedure the selection board finds that you do not fulfil one or more
of the general, particular or special conditions for admission to the competition, or if the
claims made in your application form are not supported by the relevant documents, your
admission will be cancelled.

V.ÙRECONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

You are entitled to ask for your application to be reconsidered if you believe that a mistake has
been made. In that case, within 30 calendar days of the date of dispatch (as attested by the
postmark) of the letter informing you that your application has not been accepted, you should
write to the competition secretary, stating your reasons and quoting the competition number
EUR/LA/138/98 or EUR/LA/139/98, at the following addressØ(Î):

The selection board will reconsider your application and let you know of its decision as soon as
possible.

Your are not allowed to approach the selection board yourself, directly or indirectly. The
Appointing Authority reserves the right to disqualify any candidate who disregards this
instruction.

VI.ÙINVITATION TO THE TESTS

You will be invited to the tests by ordinary (non-registered) post. You are responsible for
informing the selection board secretary of any change of address (see Section XI.5). For this
reason, in view of postal delays, the dates given in the timetable above and the responsible
attitude which candidates are expected to display, you are asked to send a fax (Ï) or write to the
Competitions Department if you have not received a letter by 18 December 1998.

VII.ÙCOMPULSORY TESTS

A.1.ÙWRITTEN TESTS

The approximate duration of Tests A.1 (a) and (c) will be decided by the selection board;
candidates will receive details when they are invited to the tests.

(a)ÙTranslation into Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese or
Spanish, as chosen by the candidate, using a dictionary, of a text of a general nature of
about 45 lines in Finnish.

(Î)ÙThe Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions have instructed Parliament’s
Administration to handle the procedure for Competitions EUR/LA/138/98 and EUR/LA/139/98.
(Ï)ÙFor the Competitions Department fax number, please see the Guide for candidates.
C 275ØA/16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3.9.98

Marking: out of 20
Candidates scoring less than 10 will be eliminated.

(b) Translation into the language chosen for Test VII.A.1(a), using a dictionary, of a text
of about 45 lines, of a general nature connected with the European Union’s activities,
in a European Union official language other than Finnish chosen by the candidate.

Time allowed: 2 hours
Marking: out of 40
Candidates scoring less than 20 will be eliminated.

(c) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions bearing on the main devel-
opments of European unification and the various policies of the European Union.

Marking: out of 10
Candidates scoring less than 5 will be eliminated.

Candidates obtaining the 96 best marks (EUR/LA/138/98) and the 46 best marks
(EUR/LA/139/98) in Tests VII.A.1(a), (b) and (c) will be admitted to the oral test,
provided that they pass each of the tests, with the following breakdown:

(d) Conversation with the selection board to assess your suitability for the duties described
in Section I. The conversation will also cover knowledge of the European Union’s
institutions and policies and any knowledge of other languages.

Marking: out of 40

VIII. OPTIONAL TESTS

Candidates invited to the oral test will be entitled to take the optional tests. These tests are to
enable candidates to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge of languages.

The marks obtained in these tests will not affect establishment of the shortlist either as regards
its composition or order, but will enable the administrations of the organising institutions to
use the shortlists in full knowledge of candidates’ abilities when recruiting staff.

(Î)ÙThe approximate duration of this test will be decided by the selection board; candidates will receive
details when they are invited to the test.
3.9.98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 275ØA/17

The optional tests will be marked only for candidates who obtain the marks required in the
written and oral tests to be included in the shortlists (see Section IX):

(a)ÙTranslation into the language chosen for Test VII.A.1(a), using a dictionary, of a text of
about 30 lines of a general nature in a third European Union official language other than
those used for Written tests VII.A.1(a) and (b).

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marking: out of 20

(b) Translation into the language chosen for Test VII.A.1(a), using a dictionary, of a text of
about 30 lines of a general nature in a fourth European Union official language other than
those used for Written tests VII.A.1(a) and (b) and Optional test VIII(a).

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marking: out of 20

IX.ÙINCLUSION IN THE SHORTLISTS

1.ÙAfter Competition EUR/LA/138/98 the 1.ÙAfter Competition EUR/LA/139/98 the
selection board will include successful selection board will include successful
candidates in the shortlist on the candidates in the shortlist on the
following conditions: the marks obtained following conditions: the marks obtained
by candidates in Tests VII.A.1(a), (b) and by candidates in Tests VII.A.1(a), (b) and
(c), and VII.A.2(d) will be combined. The (c), and VII.A.2(d) will be combined. The
48 best candidates will be included in the 23 best candidates will be included in the
list provided that they have obtained at list provided that they have obtained at
least half marks in each test, with the least half marks in each test, with the
following breakdown: following breakdown:

2.ÙCandidates will receive a personal letter informing them of the selection board’s decisions in
their case. The shortlists will be posted in the premises of the organising institutions, in the
normal places set aside for that purpose.

X.ÙCONDITIONS OF RECRUITMENT

(a)ÙCandidates whose names are included on the shortlists will be recruited as needs arise in
the departments of the organising institutions.
C 275ØA/18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3.9.98

(b) In some cases successful candidates may be offered a temporary contract, for departmental
reasons or in view of the nature of the job. In such cases their name will remain on the
shortlist.

(c) The validity of the shortlists will expire on 31 December 2002; it may be extended. If it is,
candidates on the lists will be duly notified.

(d) Category and grade

EUR/LA/138/98 (LAØ7/LAØ6) EUR/LA/139/98 (LAØ8)

The recruitment reserve for translators The recruitment reserve for translators
(EUR/LA/138/98) is for Career bracket (EUR/LA/139/98) is for Career bracket 8
7/6 in the Language Service. Recruitment in the Language Service.
will normally be to Grade LAØ7.

XI.ÙAPPLICATIONS

Before filling in the application form, please read the guide and its annex in this issue of the
Official Journal with care.

1.ÙThe application form and optical reader form included with the notice of competition must
be properly completed.

Candidates must sign the application form and enclose with it the optical reader form and
the photocopies of documents showing that they meet the special conditions for admission
to the competition (see Section III.B). Failure to do so will mean that they will be
disqualified.

This applies to all candidates, including officials and other servants of the European
Communities.

In compiling your file you may not refer to documents, application forms or information sheets
submitted in previous applications.

None of the papers in the application file will be returned.

2.ÙSend the application form, optical reader form and photocopies of documents, preferably by
registered post, by 16 October 1998 (as attested by the postmark) to the following address:

4.ÙOfficials and other servants of the European Communities in post in the Information
Offices of the European Parliament and the European Commission outside the normal
places of work, and in the External delegations of the European Union, may announce their
application by fax to the Competitions Department (352-4300 27740) by 12 noon on
16 October 1998 (Luxembourg time) as attested by the date and time of dispatch of the fax.
However, for their application to be accepted they must dispatch the official form within ten
working days following the closing date for applications (as attested by the postmark).
Dispatch by diplomatic bag is not advisable.

5.ÙAny correspondenceØ(Î) concerning an application must quote the surname given in that
application and the competition number.

The address which you give in the application form and the optical reader form (which
should be the same) is the address to which any correspondence on the competition will be
sent, including invitations to the tests.

You are responsible for notifying the Competitions Department in writing and without delay
of any change in these details.

6.ÙIf you have a physical disability, please enclose with your application, on a separate sheet,
details of any arrangements you consider necessary to help you take the tests.

7.ÙShortlisted candidates who are offered a job will in due course be required to produce the
originals of their diplomas, degrees or employment certificates for verification.

(Î)ÙIf for special and exceptional reasons you should wish to receive all correspondence relating to the
competition at an address other than your place of residence, you should give full details of the reasons
for your request on a separate sheet. Any statement of this kind will be treated in absolute confidence.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT This form must be completed, or your application will be disqualified. Please state your
choice of competition.
General Secretariat A EUR/LA/138/98Ù—ÙDutch-, English-, French-, German-, Greek-, Italian-, Portuguese-
Competitions’ Service and Spanish-language TRANSLATORS (LAØ7/LAØ6)
A EUR/LA/139/98Ù—ÙEnglish-, French-, German-, Greek-, Italian-, Portuguese- and
L-2929 LUXEMBOURG Spanish-language ASSISTANT TRANSLATORS (LAØ8) (NB: This
competition is not being held for Dutch-language candidates.)
ECONOMIC AND
SOCIAL COMMITTEE Put an ‘x’ in the box for the languages you have chosen for Written tests VII.A.1(a) and
(b), and, if appropriate, for Optional tests VIII(a) and VIII(b).
COMMITTEE OF Danish Dutch English Finnish French German Greek Italian Portuguese Spanish Swedish
THE REGIONS VII.A.1(a)
VII.A.1(b)
VIII(a)
VIII(b)

6. Are you asking for the age limit to be raised?ÚÚÚÚÚA YesÚÚÚÚÚA No
If yes, state why and in respect of what period (exact dates) and attach the supporting documents specified in the notice of competi-
tion or recruitment.
A Looking after one or more children under 6 fromÙ.......................... toÙ ..............................

A Compulsory military or other service fromÙ.......................... toÙ ..............................

A Physical handicap
A Official or other servant of the European Union fromÙ.......................... toÙ ..............................
Name of institution:Ù ........................................................................................................................................................................................
AdministrativeÙposition:ÙOfficial/temporary/auxiliary/member of local staff:Ù ..........................................................................................

Very good .........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Good .........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Fair .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

8. Please state how you learned about the competition or notice of recruitment:
A In the press (give the name of the newspaper or journal):Ù............................................................................................................................
A Some other means

(Î)ÙIMPORTANT: Your application will be registered under this name. Please use it and quote the number of the competition or notice of recruitment in all correspondence. Any
other name (e.g. maiden name) appearing on diplomas or certificates accompanying this application should be indicated here:

C 275 A/98 EN
9.ÚEDUCATION (attach photocopies of the diplomas and certificates you need to qualify as a candidate):

A.ÙPrimary, secondary, advanced secondary or technical education

Name and address of establishment Years of study Certificates and/or diplomas obtained. State official length of course
(town and country) from toØ(Î) and main subjects

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
B. Higher education
Name and address of university or other Years of study Degree or diploma obtained. State official length of course and main
establishment
(town and country) from toØ(Î) subjects

Name and address of university or institute Years of study
Diploma or other qualification obtained
(town and country) from toØ(Î)

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(Î)ÙState the date (month and year) when the studies were completed and/or the qualification was obtained.

10. Works published (specify those with a bearing on the post for which you are applying; use extra sheets if necessary):
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

11. Office skills (for category B and C competitions it is compulsory to complete the following details):
Typing: A YES A NO
Speed:Ø ..............................................................................
Keyboard normally used:
A AZERTY A QWERTY A QWERTZ A QZERTY A GREEK A HCESAR

Program(s) used:Ø.............................................................
12. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: (attach photocopies of supporting documents):
Give details of the post(s) you have held hitherto and professional experience acquired.
1.ÙPresent or most recent post 2.ÙPrevious post

Dates Dates
Length Most recent gross Length Last gross
(months) monthly salary (months) monthly salary
from to from to

I, the undersigned, do solemnly declare that the information contained in this form is correct and complete.
I further do solemnly declare that:
(i)ÙI am a national of one of the Member States and enjoy my full rights as a citizen;
(ii)ÙI have fulfilled any obligations imposed on me by the laws concerning military service;
(iii)ÙI meet the character requirements for the duties involved.
I undertake to produce on request supporting documents in respect of points (i), (ii) and (iii) above and I understand that any misstatement
or omission, even if unintentional, may lead to the rejection of my application.
I agree to undergo the compulsory medical examination to ensure that I am physically fit to perform the duties involved.

Date and signature:Ù................................................................................................................................................

DO NOT FORGET TO SIGNØ!
Please fill this form in carefully, making Form 0102
sure that you:
1. use BLACK ink; Competition
2. use CAPITAL letters, see specimen in the OJ; 00035
3. write EACH LETTER IN ONE OF THE SPACES provided; Language
4. DO NOT FOLD the form. CD 05 ␣␣5
EUR/LA/138/98 – EUR/LA/139/98
For official use only, do not write in this space